HTSPE is currently managing the Policy Development Facility (based in Abuja, Nigeria). This is a DFID-funded programme working with key partners within Nigeria to improve evidence-based policy.

PDF is looking to engage a Senior Advisor on Food Security and Nutrition, to work within the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD).

The Senior Advisor will act as the focal point for the Nigerian government’s efforts on food security and nutrition, harnessing government, private sector and development partner efforts to reduce malnutrition and food insecurity in the country. The Advisor will promote the recognition that the challenge is multi-faceted, yet paramount to efforts to reduce poverty in Nigeria.

The Advisor will:

Raise the profile of food security and nutrition within FMARD and mainstream it into agricultural policies and programmes;
Work with the private sector, development partners and research institutions to strengthen the evidence base for improving nutrition through the agricultural sector;
Be a convenor of nutrition and food security issues across the Government of Nigeria, gathering evidence and opinion on issues of national food security and advising the Honourable Minister of Agriculture (HMA) and the broader government as necessary;
Engage with, and prepare for, the New Alliance for agriculture as well as the G8 and other international events where the profile of food security and nutrition will be high on the agenda;
Collaborate with colleagues in other Ministries (e.g. Health, Women, Education) to achieve improved food security and nutrition, especially among vulnerable populations and children in first 1000 days;
Develop strategies for mainstreaming food security and nutrition into key value chains (especially millet, sorghum, orange flesh sweet potato, soy, horticulture, cassava, and livestock) with the Agricultural Transformation Agenda;
Develop innovative and evidence-based policies and recommendations related to food security and nutrition, recognising the role of the private sector and small holder agriculture;
Work with private sector engaged in ATA to incorporate food security and nutrition into activities;
Collaborate with international programs such as Scaling Up Nutrition, World Food Programme, GAIN, and others whose mission is to promote food security and improved nutrition;
Contribute to and represent FMARD at the Food Security Task Group;
Develop strategies through which smallholder farmers in Nigeria would grow more nutritious food to improve their household diets;
Explore the potential for setting up a food security information system. Facilitate collection of baseline information and develop a monitoring and evaluation mechanism for nutritional programmes;
Work with the Senior Advisor for Resource Mobilisation, Partnerships and Donor Relations to identify additional sources of funding for food security and nutrition programs
Drawing on additional expertise as necessary, assess the impact from trade cartels, trade policies and tariff regimes on food prices and food security;
Ensure good links between government, international development partners, the private sector and civil society.

Key deliverables will include:

Evidence-based advice to the HMA regarding nutrition and food security in Nigeria.
Development of innovative approaches that raise nutritional outcomes and food security in Nigeria
High quality briefings and other materials to facilitate high-level Nigerian engagement with the G8, New Alliance and other international fora addressing food security and nutrition.

The assignment is for a maximum of two years, starting as soon as possible.

PDF is looking to engage a Senior Advisor on Food Security and Nutrition, to work within the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD).

The expert will require the following qualifications and experience:

PhD in Food Science, Nutrition or related discipline, or
Masters in relevant subject plus 20 years of relevant experience of both policy development and implementation.
Experience of working in Sub-Saharan Africa at senior policy level;
At least 10 years of experience, ideally in public/private partnership.
Solid understanding of food security – entitlement theory, access as well as availability
Excellent understanding of the interface between agriculture, horticulture and nutrition and the potential role of the private sector;
Bright, dynamic individual able to bring together disparate viewpoints.

If you feel you have the relevant expertise and expertise, please submit your CV (maximum of six pages) and a covering letter (maximum of two pages) noting key relevant experience and demonstrating how you meet the person specification. Please quote the reference number 1009142/FMARD/074 in the subject line of your email.

Deadline for applications is Wednesday 28th November 2012. All applications should be submitted to: applications@pdfnigeria.org